Nicole Kidman Accepts the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award

Nicole Kidman accepts the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award on April 27, 2024 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
THE 49th AFI LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: A TRIBUTE TO NICOLE KIDMAN premieres on TNT on Monday, June 17 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The show, which celebrates Kidman’s career in film and television, features tributes from co-stars and friends Cate Blanchett, Russell Crowe, Zac Efron, Jimmy Fallon, Morgan Freeman, Hugh Jackman, Joey King, Mike Myers, Zoe Saldaña, Aaron Sorkin, Meryl Streep, Miles Teller, Keith Urban, Naomi Watts and Reese Witherspoon. The show will re-air on TCM on Thursday, June 27 at 8:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. PT.
►Subscribe to AFI on KZbin: bit.ly/Subscrib...
►Follow AFI:
/ americanfilminstitute
/ americanfilminstitute
/ americanfilminstitute
/ americanfilm
►Sign up for AFI Newsletters: www.afi.com/si...
#movies #afi #film #americanfilminstitute #nicolekidman

[@PiCheZvara]

Beautiful speech, made me shed a tear. I knew she'd deliver something classy. This was honest, earned, well intended, and heartfelt. This is how you do it.

[@harrietthomas4032]

hear hear! Or is it here here?! ;)

[@Cwgrlup]

If this made you shed a tear then you need psychiatric intervention.

[@elusivelectron]

Agreed. I hope Tommy Lee Jones or Michael Douglas is next.

[@dragosabke88]

Where's the award for her plastic surgeon? 💉💉

[@harrietthomas4032]

@@dragosabke88 Bloody hell, that was quite funny... But feel the love xxx

[@dianecarty1060]

What an eloquent speech. Nicole is the epitome of grace, and her talent is golden.

[@natalieplunkett4516]

One of the best speeches I have ever heard from an actor.

[@Clintsessentials]

💯

[@russellkellett9535]

No

[@schretzezgurl]

Nicole Kidman is such a beautiful soul. She spoke to everyone...included everyone in a beautiful whole hearted way...without having to mention names.. I think anyone sitting in that audience who has ever worked with her felt a part of her journey and they felt the love.. That is a true talent. Beautiful job, Nicole. We love you so so so much.

[@allymayful]

What a beautiful skill and sensitivity to be aware of. Thanks for sharing.

[@allymayful]

I think she probably even acknowledged her first hubby in that way too - “some you marry”

[@johnnybmean74]

​@@allymayfulI got that feeling too. Tom should've been there.

[@chocolate70]

I fell in love with her back in 1995 when I saw her in "To Die For" at the movies. Since then I have watched over 50 movies/TV-series where her acting is just mindblowing. She deserves every award and BIG LOVE. Congratulations Nicole Kidman.

[@markdaly1648]

To die for was her greatest role because deep down in away she was playing herself. A ruthless, careerist who will do just about anything to get to the top. I remember seeing her in the one movie she doesn't like talking about, bmx bandits. I have seen a few of her films. She should have won the Oscar for to die for. As an actress I find her to be very icy presence, very beautiful but icy

[@eduardodiaz2649]

Dead Calm when I first saw her and said to myself Who is this woman

[@joysmall]

​@markdaly1648, you could never reach her greatness as a human being because she would NEVER even consider making a comment about another person that is negative in any way. So, why you describe her as icy is more of a reflection of your character, not hers.

[@chocolate70]

@@joysmall I agree. I have seen hundreds of interviews and she is everything but icy 😂. She’s warm, funny and intelligent.

[@soumias04]

What's wrong with her jaw?

[@LilianaBubalo]

A love Nickle Kidman,she is pure soul and kind and classy....wonderful human being....and amazing actress.🎉

[@MrHootiedean]

The GOAT! My favorite actor with my second favorite actress Michelle Pfeiffer in the audience cheering her on. Beautiful.

[@johnnybmean74]

The GOAT??! Now you are being silly. Meryl Streep..Glen Close..Jodie Foster..Cate Blanchett..Bette Davis..Katherine Hepburn < Those are GOATS.

[@MrHootiedean]

@@johnnybmean74 They can all be great. No need to put down Nicole in order to elevate the rest.

[@johnnybmean74]

​@@MrHootiedeanOh, you are one of those silly irrational self-esteem movement dolts that don't care for genuine competitions. You are demeaning those truly brilliant actresses I mentioned by calling her the GOAT.

[@hpfme]

This speech resonates at all levels and it really struck a cord in my heart. I shed a tear just by listening to her speech.

[@siddharthnaagar7028]

Jodie foster not having received this award is insane

[@jacobskinner3522]

It’s possible she has turned it down.

[@bryanismyname7583]

Actually, a lot of big names never got the AFI award. Frank Sinatra, who hosted the ceremony twice (for James Cagney and Orson Welles) never received it.

[@DDumbrille]

Just as insane that Nicole RECEIVED It...

[@CookieZ3353]

nor cate blanchett, naomi watts....i'll think of others.

[@bryanismyname7583]

@@DDumbrille : She's actually in the average age of recipients historically, but there are probably other people audiences might choose over first. I mean, her ex-husband Tom Cruise hasn't received it even.

[@javiernarvaez5297]

Such a wonderful speech. Nicole is truly deserving of this award. Congratulations to her!

[@debra13]

It's a pleasure to hear Nicole's natural accent, as I mostly hear her speak in films where she has another accent.

[@heavenlyvilla8681]

Seen so many of her films, even the weird little ones like Dogville, where she is always brilliant. Cant wait for Big Little Lies season 3 and Practical Magic 2.

[@mohamedf6221]

My mind ran to Dogville when she said that. I felt like she was talking about me because I remember many years ago going through her entire filmography after she won me over with Birth.

[@youvelookedbetter]

Practical Magic is a work of art. Can't wait for the next one. And Dogville was great too.

[@MelissaAlexander1958]

I love Nicole Kidman, Absolutely she is one of my all time favorites. If she's in it, you know it's going to an Awesome film. She is such a kind and loving soul, and she matches so perfectly with her country, music singer legend, Keith Urban! They truly are a match for the heavens. Congratulations Nicole.

[@dustymuniz]

Absolutely love her! Great speech!

[@John-co6mo]

I remember many years ago shopping in Westfield Bondi Junction here in Sydney and spotting Nicole at a coffee bar having a coffee. We were both in our 40's at the time. I remember feeling star struck as I gazed at her beauty and confidence. I remember thinking how cool it would be to go sit next to her and start up a conversation but then I noticed a few of the security detail assigned to her and thought damn. But I was so grateful 🙏 for that moment because for a short moment in time we both occupied the same space and that was so cool. I felt so privileged and looking back I had no idea how rare and wonderful that moment was. She's a true gem whose movies I've had the pleasure of enjoying. Thanks Nicole ❤

[@blueykoala2687]

A real Aussie Icon.

[@MariaSanchez-us5kf]

Wonderful speech, she always knows how to deliver smart and kind words. She totally deserves the recognition. She has fought for her roles without being afraid of the result. That's love for the craft.

[@KCNwokoye]

Beautiful and magnificently talented Nicole. I love her body of work. Keep on shining!

[@markdcmountp]

Love, love and infinite love to and for Nicole Kidman❤️❤️❤️A very well deserved recipient of this lifetime achievement award..Here’s to honoring her very eclectic body of work and here’s to looking forward to what’s yet to come from this beautiful and truly talented inspiring woman.

[@Ash-ld7gc]

One of my top favorite actresses - I will watch anything with her in it no hesitation!

[@aryaman98]

Film is forever!!!

[@nasiromar2004]

An artist in every sense. 🫶🏼

[@pennymcnaughton5963]

Such a heartfelt speech.

[@echale843]

I’ve loved NK since Far & Away❤

[@newasblue1981]

Have loved her since first seeing her in Dead Calm in the early 90s. She has always come across to me as incredibly genuine, introspective, emotionally intelligent, and kind.

[@scor66]

Blah blah blah…..😂🤦‍♀️

[@Chunter060]

100% I think she epitomizes a healthy INFJ

[@Gylfie70]

What a beautiful human.

[@tattooedandy93]

Nicole is just a screen goddess. She has played so many roles and most of those roles have been really hard hitting and the work she puts into those roles must be so straining but she still brings out a phenomenal performance.

[@cristinanatri5315]

We are very very proud about her be Australia girl She deserved everything is so dowm hertz girl we admire her The success didn't change her And we are more happy she married Australian man much better the Amerian man !! Was hard road whit Keith but stick together love won and it is bc now them have better life after all the bad time them have passed Congratulations girl 4 yr Archevement !! Enjoined whit all yr family extended family too !! Good luck 4 yr future We hope see more movies!! Thank 4 everything we loves u very very much !! Go girl !!!! Ciao from Melbourne xo😊❤😮❤😘😘😘🥰🥰🤗🤗🤗😊😉👏👏👏👏👏

[@alexandermatthewsmusic]

I almost can not believe it, dreams do come true ❤️ and your my true inspiration Nicole Kidman ❤️ I'd like to add something I know you believe too and that is that love wins, and film AND love are forever, ♾️ thankyou Nicole ☺️

[@donareisya2286]

Congratulations Nicole kidman 🌹

[@michaeldonovan3959]

What a class act and a treasure. Thank you Nicole Kidman.

[@Darci3333]

Nicole is the embodiment of love, class and a beautiful spirit and person❤❤❤❤❤

[@filmcrew3531]

Thank you Nicole, I love your body of work and just the person you are. LOVE! Congratulations on this well deserved AFI Life Achievement Award! Brava!

[@CindyStottler]

She is so very special. I miss her in films.

[@gokhanozmen7491]

What an impeccable speech. Since childhood, I have been watching your movies Nicole and you have become my favorite actress since the first time I saw you. You have been brave with your choice of roles and kind and sympathetic behind the camera. I feel priviliged to witness your work during my lifetime and I will continue to be watching your movies till I pass away. You're great!

[@Happytobehere877]

I am so happy for this rare creature, Nicole Kidman. I have enjoyed many, many hours of watching her act in her movies and more recently in her extended series. She is all class, grace, warmth and authenticity. Love her work and a big congratulations on your award, from a fellow Aussie girl. 😍

[@DanCrowleyNYC]

She does do some of the strangest indy films, and that's why we love her! I am always captivated by any performance of hers, and to see Meryl give her this award after The Hours (and Big Little Lies), was so moving.

[@JMTE27]

I love Nicole with my soul 💛 My top 2 films of all time The Hours & Moulin Rouge. To see her with Meryl on stage receiving this award is just beautiful 🧡a true artist of pure talent.

[@richfictionfighter]

Are we sure this is the whole speech? There was iPhone footage of Nicole paying tribute to a her late directors when she was on stage (Stanley Kubrick, Anthony Minghella, Jean-Marc Vallee, Sydney Pollack)

[@joysmall]

Just simply put, Nicole Kidman-Urban is a phenomenal woman with a big heart and a great mind. Our world is a better place for having her in it. I also want to acknowledge her husband, Keith Urban. Without his adoration and deep love for Nicole, I don't think she'd ever be as fulfilled as she is. He champions her, he never holds her back for selfish reasons and supports her in everything that she wants to do, even if it means missing her for the time it keeps them apart. A great partner in life can only enhance it, making it a greater fulfilling experience. Congratulations Nicole Kidman-Urban ❤

[@cherryblossom3046]

Congrats Nic, highly deserved!

[@savage_skirt5386]

she's fantastic

[@ivannano]

I still go back to 'Dead Calm' - a rare movie that launched a new talent like Mystic Pizza, Muriel's Wedding, or Heavenly Creatures.

[@mamabluejean]

He has my vote!!! (If only I were qualified to vote!!!) I agree with everything you wrote. I love Martin Short. What an extraordinary entertainer!!! Long live Ed Grimly!!!!!!❤

[@aclark903]

She was already well known in Oz for #BmxBandits…

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Congratulations to her 🎉

[@robster6162]

She is wonderful & so deserving, but how disappointing this speech has been shredded. Where is her wonderful & moving tribute to the directors who are no longer with us? I’ve seen footage where she honours them.

[@Aurora-lp9sn]

For some reason AFI really hates putting full length videos on KZbin. Still dont understand why the ceremonies aren’t available in full online

[@EvaSofie]

@@Aurora-lp9snit was probably cut down for the full thing too not just for the posts on KZbin

[@simonjacob3949]

Loved her since BMX Bandits!

[@grahambaker6664]

Congrats Nic. You were the nicest local girl when I was growing up and I really knew you were going to be someone special. I hope your children have learnt to play kingpin like the Longueville players in our Central Park. Cheers.

[@peacequeen2579]

She has worked her ass off for years now. Stayed true to herself and is in my opinion one of the few celebrities worth celebrating. I don't do the idol worship thing but I'll give credit where due. She is a great example of an artist's heart and passion.

[@lolachiconila7650]

wow Nicole Kidman is truly fantastic actress deserves the AFI 3 movies impressed me the most were 1. To Die For 2. the Hours 3. The Others she had a lot of great movies and she different in most of her movies .. She is Top 3 Best actresses today 1. Maryl Streep 2 Cate Blanchett and 3 Nicole Kidman / Kim Basinger/ Michelle Pefifer

[@attyjosh]

Weird choices: Dogville and Birth where she gave two of her greatest performances ever.

[@knsnsy]

she always champions for birth

[@attyjosh]

@@knsnsy cuz she should have been nominated for it. Possibly she was number 6/7 in the final ranking.

[@ct6852]

Birth was amazing.

[@donbar5493]

DogVille was weird alright

[@ct6852]

@@donbar5493 Never saw that one. Is it worth seeing?

[@marytate6637]

I'm writing that my name is Josh and i've seen all of Nicole Kidman's films and she deserves this AFI Life Achievement Award. I'm writing that actor Martin Short hasn't gotten an AFI Lifetime Achievement Award television special and AFI Lifetime Achievement Award yet and he's been acting in show business since the early 1980's. as of 2024 he's now been in show business for 45 years..he was also a Saturday Night Live cast member for one season from 1984 to 1985 and he has also hosted and made guest appearances on Saturday Night Live 13 times. in the year 2025 Martin Short should finally get his AFI Lifetime Achievement Award television special and receive his AFI Lifetime Achievement Award.

[@kidowmer]

Love her honest & heartfelt speech. Love her every film, but the most unforgettable for me is "The Others" Thank you, Nicole, for bringing us into the worlds we could never live, but get to experience through your excellence.

[@gloriakrueger6774]

What a treat!! Two unicorns on stage, Nicole and Meryl!! Love them both!

[@AndrewsOpinion15]

HAPPY 57TH BIRTHDAY NICOLE KIDMAN !!!

[@vk88864]

Great speech Nic. One of my favourite Aussie actors 🇦🇺 ❤

[@maverick214]

She is actually American.

[@vk88864]

@@maverick214 I know but she’ll always be Aussie to us 👍

[@beeteees6535]

Love Nicole Kidman. The first movie I ever watched her in was Dead Calm. She has neen ny favorite actress since then.

[@janna59]

One of the absolute most elegant, classy, intelligent, talented and respected woman in the acting industry, simply a class act!! I’m so glad she has found such great love, and I love everything this woman has done!!! CONGRATULATIONS NICOLE! You deserve this! Much love and respect! 🙌🙏💜💜

[@dianek3351]

Congrats Nicole! 🎉 So well deserved! You’re a beautiful soul! ❤️

[@aryaman98]

Here's to keeping films alive....

[@sylviacrossman4562]

Oh Nicole! So much love, thankyou for sharing. God Bless you sweet sweetheart 🙏✨️🙌😇

[@josemedeiros007]

What a great speech by Nicole Kidman, Congratulations Nicole on your award and achievements.

[@BunnyLang]

Such beauty to experience. Thank you and Congratulations.

[@littlebird8837]

An incredible woman with so much beauty and talent ❤

[@Jules.23109]

I first saw Nicole in an Aussie film Dead Calm. I was captivated. You should see 21-year-old Nicole Kidman in her first ever 60 Minutes interview (1989). So prophetic! She never gave up

[@MuyBadHombre]

What a class act! She’s one of a kind!

[@stanflix2742]

well-deserved!!!!

[@prosodiac]

I love her voice. So clear, so sophisticated, so soothing!

[@susandim4914]

Brilliant actress, exude class and such a humble person.

[@tmp1111]

So well deserved. An incredible actress, kind person and good human

[@annetteschairer7127]

Nicole is the Most Elegant ladie I ever have seen,and humble,when I went to India a ladie told me that I looked like her ha ha.anyway,God be with Nicole and family protect them all

[@Kattakatt7]

Honestly she deserves the Lifetime Achievement Award. Nicole Kidman is loved not only by her FAMILY, but also by her Fans in the World. She is Gorgeous, Sweet, Unique. She is all Class and filled with Grace. What a Lady, What an Actress 💯%❤❤❤❤❤❤🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@narehakobyan5701]

She is a great actress. Very flexible and convincing. Also, very elegant.

[@marikatecarlisle3988]

Way to show them! Great work NK!

[@JdhggSksjjh]

🎉Congratulations, Nicole Kidman 🎊 🥂

[@oenrob98000]

If only her adopted kids appreciated her too 😢

[@janellemoore6139]

Yeah if only her Adopted two Children were at that table…..She spoke of Love…..

[@stevemurrell6167]

Such a deserved award.....Nicole is a powerhouse in the acting world.

[@zekijazancotti4616]

Wow love this so amazing ❤Thank you😊❤

[@chubidelrosario4417]

I think practical magic was my first introduction to Nicole but i loved her in moulin Rouge partly because of Christina aguilera who im a huge fan.. And also the others, love her in that

[@amymonteiro3298]

Aww I cried. Perfectly said Nicole. God bless you. I'm glad you are so happy. Speeches are not easy. You were a natural. I hate talking in front of people never mind a huge crowd that place.

[@petradoots584]

She is classic beauty inside and out...a true professional to her craft....a.hollywood great...

[@grahamscott1547]

She is one of a kind that’s for sure and one of the last true icons of this generation 💯

[@zacharycasey-z4k]

She is my favorite actress.

[@julieyoutu]

Her award is well deserved and her gratitude is well delivered. Class act.

[@Anqi1984]

omg, been a fan of nicole since childhood, it was so touching to her speech. love will win, and the film is forever.

[@jaylynn444]

Her & Keith = GOALS ❤ SO adorable!

[@lisamalone5219]

Congratulations Nicole well deserved. Love your work! 💓 🌎✌️💙🫶 Blessings to you and your family! (& Meryl ) 😂. Love Wins.

[@TheHouseThatBuiltMe406]

Beautiful speech from a beautiful soul 🙏🏻

[@tiffanystevens9088]

Such a beautiful humble soul Nicole Kidman 😊

[@theck672]

We love you Nicole❣️🫶

[@gwenbatoon5262]

Most eloquent speech. Thanking an industry that helped her achieve the greatest achievemnt. And love the most crucial ingredient

[@lisagoldsmith1525]

I first saw Nicole in a TV series years ago called Bangkok Hilton with Denholm Elliot in 1989 and thought she was brilliant so continued to watch her and she was then in Far and Away with Tom Cruise which I guess is how they met. Lovely lady and love her in The Others also x

[@JOJO-2020]

Our very own Princess, we are proud of this Aussie Sheila.

[@KarenThaler-x8v]

She is so talented and beautiful because she has a beautiful soul.

[@MegaCj65]

Love her. So real, so raw, so beautiful.

[@yoana0608]

love her so much

[@arjunrane3010]

Nicole Kidman ❤

[@alvinjwales3039]

One of the best actresses ever and so elequoant and elegant.

[@MaryJohnson-ik8xb]

An epic role model with grace, style and impeccable courage. Thank you for blessing us with your amazing talents and your childhood dream that you molded into your craft. Congratulations Nicole 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😅😊

[@MaryJohnson-ik8xb]

@KeithUrbanFanBase-z9d Thank you for the thoughtful response. I learned over the years that Life may be what we make it, but it's truly what we do with it that makes the difference. I hope you will always have the freedom to be yourself and be the best you can possibly be. Role models of your stature is rare. Again.... the highest of congratulations Nicole. It's an honor to bear witness to sure humbleness.

[@courtneyloves6039]

She deserves all the flowers. Her tenacity & genuine spirit have made us all better for knowing her.

[@LarsWalker-xo2jn]

Stunning and classy.